Departing Directors

On behalf of the WCTA membership and Board, we would like to recognize and thank two departing Directors, Stan Kazymerchyk and Frits Verkerk, for their service.

Stan Kazymerchyk

With 44 years of turf management experience, Stan started in his teen years as a golf course groundsman, then moving onto Irrigation Technician. After a few years of having more questions than answers, ‘Kaz’ embarked on a university Honours degree in Turfgrass Management from Oregon State University. Brief stints in turfgrass research and as Assistant Superintendent before becoming a Golf Superintendent through 90’s was followed by 15+ years teaching turf at Kwantlen University in Langley.

Stan served the turf industry as WCTA Research Committee Chair, BCGSA Chapter President, WCTA Board member and STC Board member. He’s also been a major contributor to conference organization and trades magazines, he’s a frequent guest speaker at meetings and events and volunteered at 7 national Opens.

“I believe in involving students with close industry interaction and societal paybacks,” he stated. His long term projects have including ‘Home Reno Makeovers’, training teens with FASD and ‘First Green’ event choreography. He added, “I especially enjoy grooming students to become successful turf managers and supporting alumni as they progress upwards in their careers.”

Frits Verkerk

With a background in the family apple growing business, Frits has spent his entire turf management career at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Course in Kelowna and has served as a member of the WCTA board for the past 2 years. After year one he commented, “I have learned a lot in my first term, and I hope to continue to serve the membership to the best of my ability,” adding, “My goal as Director has been to continue to improve government relations in regards to legislation, water issues and matters of the environment. I also hope to help improve the synergy between all the associations that are part of the turf industry, to work together to a common goal.”

Thank you both for your volunteer service to the Western Canada Turfgrass Association and the turf management industry as a whole.